"I am a free spirited butterfly"
Welcome to my life's journey. I'd love it if you fluttered along with me...

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Just plain old "good manners"

I value good manners, for example. Every time I meet a kid who speaks clearly and looks me in the eye, who says "yes, sir" and "thank you" and "please" and "excuse me," I feel more hopeful about the country. I don't think I am alone in this. I can't legislate good manners. But I can encourage good manners whenever I'm addressing a group of young people.

The same goes for competence. Nothing brightens my day more than dealing with somebody, anybody, who takes pride in their work or goes the extra mile- an accountant, a plumber, a three-star general, the person on the other end of the phone who actually seems to want to solve your problem. My encounter with such competence seem more sporadic lately; I seem to spend more time looking for somebdoy in the store to help me or waiting for the delivery man to show. Other people must notice this; it makes us all cranky, and those of us in government, no less than in business, ignore such perceptions at their own peril.

Life makes people put their worst foot forward.We are all guilty of it at one time or another, Do things we would not ordinarily do. What I dislike is kids thinking they have rights to bad language.If they have rights at this age, then what will they do when they have real problems to contend with?All the good feelings, the blooms that enlighten my heart and soul, die.. when I hear the music they are listening to,the words that comes out of their mouth, the holes they put in their bodies, the pictures they tattoo on thier skins. I ask myself every day.. why?God gave them life as individuals. By doing these things, they all become the same.Don't they see this?

I got on the elevator on my way home the other day and a young man held the door for me, asked me how my day was going, and said, "Have a nice day miss." when he got off of the elevator. I was so impressed and had to smile. It's kind of sad that I was so impressed because that should be the norm. Unfortunately, he's an exception to the rule in New York. I know it's probably different in the south.

I'm at work right now and feel like i'm surrounded by incompetence on a daily basis. I'm not in love with my job, but if i'm going to do it i'm going to be as efficient as possible. It's too bad others dont' feel the same way. Things would run much smoother.

I too look for the compentence in our younger genereation. I was taught to look each individual in the eye when speaking or listening. We couldn't address our elders without excusing ourselves and answering "yes" and "no" sir or ma'am. I too, Neicy must encourage our young people and teach them what we were taught...if we don't who will!

I have this favorite t-shirt and on it it says "FUTURE BILLIONAIRE" and last summer while in PA at a Bike Show (motorcycle) this older caucasion woman passed me and started laughing. I looked back at her and she said right to my face "Oh, you think so...Future Billionaire, NOT!" And I looked her right in the face and said:

"WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I'M NOT ALREADY THERE!"

I said it with a straight face, even tone and self assurance that took her completely by surprise, and her response was to turn and walk away. (no disrespect in my voice at all)

I said that to say that the young kids that were standing near my bike looked at me "Are you mad?" and I said "No and never will I allow anyone to tell me that I can't be what I put my mind to be and don't you either!" Did I mention that those kids were all caucasion and looked at an african american woman and saw self control and respect...for herself!

I love all of your responses. I originally posted this because the service at most restaurants suck and believe it or not Chick fil A has the best customer serive I've ever come across. Second to that, in my opinion are cashiers at the grocery store. I've yet to have a bad experience there. I had such a pleasant conversation w/one lady that she shared a very touching story w/me and I went to the ATM and put some money in a card and gave it to her. She was so very touched and the hug that she gave me in return was worth every cent.

As for our youth, my mom taught me values and the still hold true to this day. I am almost 45 and wouldn't dare disrespect my mom. I'm still scared that she might punish me (LOL)

Now the incompetence at work is a separate post in itself.... I would love to work somewhere where my passions could take flight, but since I'm not, I commit myself to the task at hand. I just wish that "some" of the people that I work with would just simply do the same.

You know I work in a government job too. I'm fortunate though, because I'm in charge of the phone answering. My three staff members are all trained that we do not just answer questions, we are going to be that gov't employee who actually helps. Instead of just transferring to another dept, we wait and make sure our customer gets connected and even brief the next person so the customer doesn't have to explain it all again. I 100% believe in providing excellent customer service. I hate that there are so many who don't think it's important and just don't care.

Butterflies are my friends

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I LOVE:

the sweet bird's song
candlelight any time of the day
a quiet sunrise (no talking please)
sushi (so yummy)
chocolate almond ice cream
holding hands
family gatherings
knowing i am loved
a good cup cake
an even better crab cake
a friend i can trust
being a daddy's girl
hugs - hugs - hugs
a slow kiss
choosing to forgive
laughing out loud
a simple yet profound poem
butterflies...seriously
going for a walk
a humble man
learning something new
first snow fall
writing short stories
donating to someone in need
rainbows...wow
cop shows...lol
a great pair of jeans
when a quote speaks to me
knowing i've made the right decision
driving w/a great song
long summer days
sand under my feet
stilettos
smiling all day long
looking at the sky
being there for someone
raindrops
living without regrets
a good night's sleep
solitude
waiting
pjs in the winter
being me (finally...)
when god speaks to me

How I felt back then...

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